Nigeria‘s Super Eagles will attempt to salvage pride and a record-extending ninth bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations when they face Egypt on Saturday in the third-place play-off in Rabat, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles head into the game with selection problems and tired legs after their dramatic semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco, while Egypt arrive on the back of a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal.
Both sides are still nursing the disappointment of missing out on the final, and for Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, the task is not only to lift spirits but also to solve a growing selection puzzle.
Influential defender Calvin Bassey is suspended, while Victor Osimhen must pass a late fitness test after limping off with an ankle problem against Morocco.
Bassey’s absence is a significant blow. Chelle has described Bassey as the tournament’s best defender and admits he will be missed, but says he has alternatives. Igoh Ogbu and Chidozie Awaziem are in contention to step in, while Wilfred Ndidi’s return could push Raphael Onyedika back to the bench.
If Osimhen fails a late fitness test, Paul Onuachu is set to lead the line, with youngster Salim Fago Lawal an option from the bench. Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams are expected to keep their places.
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Eric Chelle admits Super Eagles selection dilemma for Egypt
Chelle has ruled out wholesale changes, even though his squad has had little recovery time.
“I spoke about that, just told the truth, you cannot play two games in 48 hours with the same intensity,” he told the media on Friday.
“You have to wait 72 hours, this is not me who says this. It is the doctor and all of these guys who know the body and I think that we were tired (before the Morocco game). So I had two options, maybe take a risk change all of the team and if we lost you will tell me, ‘ahh why you change the team.'
“But my decision, I made the choice, the choice is not good but this is football. Sometimes, you lose some shots.
“For the third place, we have the same problem, same context, the players are tired, played the whole tournament, played 48 hours ago, so I will think only do my choice.
“My philosophy will be, we want to win this game. So will put the best players for this game.”
On Bassey, he added:
‘Calvin will not play this game. We are a group, some players will have the chance to show what they can prove. Calvin had a great AFCON, there are some players who can take his position, so once again I have to find the best way for the team to win the game.”
Nigeria’s game against Egypt will be played inside the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca with kickoff set at 5 pm (Nigerian time).
